X-Men

In this futuristic view of the world, certain humans have been endowed with super-human abilities. Called "mutants" by the rest of society, these individuals are feared, shunned and forced by law not to exercise their skills. However, Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), a telepathic mutant, feels differently. He hopes to educate young mutants to use their powers to benefit all mankind. He calls his students the X-Men.

Home Video

The most recent home video release of X-Men movie is February 11, 2003. Here are some details…

The X-Men DVD release features all the typical DVD extras and slickly designed menus leading to a host of other material, including a series of deleted scenes.

A unique feature in this area is the ability to view these scenes as separate elements, or to turn on a special playback mode where the scenes are inserted into the movie as you view it. Depending on the speed of your DVD player, a short delay proceeds and follows each of these scenes.

Other items include interview segments with the film’s director and the unique ability of watching a screen test—in this case Hugh Jackman who was cast to play Wolverine.

Our only concern with the DVD’s extras lies in a mock news report that is really a “Making of X-Men” promotional television program. Using the Senator Kelly character from the movie, the program dramatizes an imaginary senate hearing where Kelly is being questioned on the ethics of mutant registration. With Kelly playing an overboard red-necked bigot, he represents the U.S. Republican Party along with another senator who has similar prejudiced traits. Meanwhile the Democrats are portrayed as calm, rational, and understanding.

No matter what your political affiliation is, this mock news feature is a perfect example of how media can blur the lines between fiction and reality. While its obviously biased statements fail to offer a valid debate about the acceptance of those in our society who are different, in reality it could be a great discussion starter on the ethics of media.

Home Video Notes: X-Men Trilogy

Release Date: 21 March 2009

Fans of the X-Men franchises can now enjoy X-Men, X2: X-Men United and X3: The Last Stand on Blu-ray Disc. The movies are presented in widescreen, with audio tracks in 5.1 DTS Master Audio. Subtitles are available in Spanish, French, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin and Brazilian Portuguese. The set includes digital copies of each of the films plus extensive bonus materials. A complete list of these extras can be found on our page for the X-Men Trilogy.